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Encouraging the use of rain barrels has become a significant part of many municipalities' wastewater management strategy (see References 1, 2). Your yard absorbs rain slowly, so much of the water that lands on your property runs off into storm drains and eventually, local bodies of water (see References 1). Using one or more rain barrels to capture the rain for later use saves money and reduces runoff. However, some consider the barrels and eyesore and find ways to hide them.

Your House

The simplest method for hiding your rain barrel is to site it in a spot where your house protects it from view. If your house forms angles or corners anywhere at the rear, these are places where a rain barrel can be unobtrusive. You might also position your barrel at the corner of your deck, where the deck's structure makes the barrel less obvious (see References 3). Wherever you situate your barrel, construct a sturdy pad for it with bricks, cinder blocks or other materials. The full barrel will be very heavy.

Your Landscaping

If your house itself doesn't offer much potential for hiding a barrel, consider your landscaping. Many houses are surrounded by ornamental trees and shrubs, or by beds of pampas grass and similarly tall decorative plants (see References 1). Any of these can be used to conceal your rain barrel from casual view. The shrubs themselves can help absorb excess rainfall from the barrel's overflow tap.

Paint

Rather than physically concealing the barrel, some homeowners hide theirs in plain sight by painting them. For best results give your barrel a coat of primer first, to help the paint adhere. Once it's dry, the fun begins. You might paint your barrel in the same colors as your house, so it blends in. Those with more artistic talent can paint their barrels with plants and shrubs that match those in the surrounding area (see References 3).

Enclosures

Constructing an enclosure is another method of hiding a barrel (see References 4). Its cost will vary, depending how complex you choose to make it. A simple screen might consist of a sheet of premade lattice, attached to an existing wall at one end and a single fence post at the other. Plant vines on the lattice to improve its esthetics and increase concealment. Alternatively, use the same materials as your deck or fence to create an enclosure that complements your existing structures.

About the Author

Fred Decker is a trained chef and certified food-safety trainer. Decker wrote for the Saint John, New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, and has been published in Canada's Hospitality and Foodservice magazine. He's held positions selling computers, insurance and mutual funds, and was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.